Broome Unveils Program to Reduce Crime and Fill Jobs

A new program in Broome County looks to get low-level offenders steered in the direction of being contributing members of society through job training and placement.

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The Workforce Diversion Program also would help address a large number of job positions that don’t require college degrees that employers are finding difficult to fill.

Broome County District Attorney Stephen Cornwell says in addition to pairing people with jobs, the WDP is designed to reduce crime by reforming people who have made mistakes, keeping them from committing future offenses.

Job training and placement for the program for those ages 18 to 24 is being provided through Career Bound operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension while those who are 25 and older are being trained through Broome-Tioga Workforce.

Eligible offenders are misdemeanor charges or low-level E-felony cases placed in a case by case basis. Officials say those who have committed violent crimes and sex crimes are not eligible for the program.

Those completing the program can be place in positions in warehouses, assembly lines, the service industry, retail and trades and transportation.

The Workforce Diversion Program is also available for those have not been charged with a crime and are seeking job training and placement services. They can call the WDP Program Director at (607) 778-2191.